Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 317

Clairessa’s POV

Everyone laughed as I turned back to them, my cheeks flushed. “Have I told you guys how much I love this man?”

Gabriel slipped an arm around my waist, leaning down to murmur, “Not enough. Say it louder.”

I swatted his chest, laughing, but before I could retort, Raquel swooped in, pulling me into her arms.

“Congratulations, Claire. I knew it. From the very beginning, I’ve always known you would do great things.... and I also knew you and Gabriel were perfect for each other. And now look at you. Married, a baby, and now a CEO too.”

“You were right,” I said, smiling as I hugged her tighter.

Sergio followed, clasping my hand in his and kissing my cheek. “Congratulations, Clairessa. You’ve made my friend a better man, and you’ve built something incredible. I couldn’t be happier for you both.”

“Thank you,” I replied softly, my chest warm with gratitude.

Dinner was warm, laughter filled everywhere as glasses clinked, stories flowed, and the sound of the waves outside blended with the murmurs of our voices. It felt like family. It was family.

At one point, Sergio stood, tapping his glass. The table fell quiet.

“I want to make a toast,” he said, his deep voice carrying easily. “To Clairessa, for her vision, her courage, and her fire. And to Gabriel, for opening his heart and giving love a second chance. When I first saw you two together, I knew it wasn’t just a fling. This was real. And seeing you here tonight, celebrating everything you’ve built together.... it proves it.”

Applause and cheers followed. I felt Gabriel’s hand slide against mine under the table, his thumb tracing circles as his eyes lingered on me.

He raised his glass high. “To Gabriel and Clairessa. To more love, more success, and more years of driving each other crazy.”

I smiled, lifted my glass. “To love. And to never letting him forget how much of a handful I am.”

Laughter burst around the table, even from Gabriel, though his eyes burned hotter than his smirk. He stood, clapped Sergio on the shoulder, and pulled him into a hug. “Thanks, brother,” he said gruffly, emotion breaking through the humor.

The night went on with more laughter, jokes, and endless chatter. Jess teasing me about being a boss, Raquel making sly comments about Gabriel’s hopeless romantic streak, Sergio poking fun at his best friend. I didn’t think I could be happier.

The music slowed, soft and dreamy, filling the air with a kind of magic. Gabriel stood from his seat. “Dance with me,” he tugged at my hand.

I let him lead me to the center, where everyone swayed in pairs. His palm slid to the small of my back, and his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him until there was no space left. Our gazes locked, his dark eyes piercing into mine.

“Mrs Storm,” Gabriel whispered against my ear, his lips brushing my skin as he said it, savouring each letter on his lips.

I smiled, feeling tingling sensations course through me like the first time we met. “Yes, my love.”

He lowered his forehead to mine, his nose brushing mine, and our lips met, soft at first, then slower, deeper, a kiss that left me breathless. His hand slid up my spine, tracing each vertebra, until it rested at the back of my neck, holding me there as if he’d never let go.

“I can’t believe it’s been slightly over a year since I became your wife,” I whispered against his lips.

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his thumb brushing my cheek. “It’s been the best year of my life,” he murmured. “The best moment. The best decision. You, Clairessa, are my everything.”

My heart thudded so hard it almost hurt. His words sank deep into me. He kissed my neck, slow and passionately, his lips lingering until my eyes shut. His hand slid along my side now, down to my hip, his touch burning through the fabric of my dress.

“Gabriel....” I murmured, heat rushing to my face. “They’re watching.”

“Let them,” he growled softly, his mouth finding mine again. “You’re my wife.”

I laughed, breathless and trembling. “Yes, sir.”

He caught my lower lip between his teeth, kissed me harder, then bent to whisper in my ear, his voice like velvet. “Let’s get out of here.”

“What?” I tried not to laugh. “We can’t just leave our guests. They’ll notice.”

“They’ll survive,” he murmured, his voice rough with hunger. “I cannot wait another second.”

I followed his gaze. Our friends were caught up in chatter, glasses clinking, laughter bubbling up everywhere. No one noticed when Gabriel tugged my hand. My heart raced as he led me, slipping us quietly out of the hall, down the corridor, and into the night.

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